KARACHI: Heavy monsoon rain lashed parts of Karachi yet again on Thursday, leaving roads flooded, cars submerged and commuters struggling to reach their destinations.
No casualties were immediately reported in the latest spell that began in the afternoon and disrupted life across the city in a matter of a few hours.
Videos and pictures shared on social media showed numerous areas, especially in the city’s Central district, inundated with rainwater and vehicles submerged up to their wheels. A large truck could be seen lying on its side near Nagan Chowrangi as residents waded through the water with their motorcycles and cars.
According to Karachi police, traffic flow was affected due to accumulated rainwater from Liaquatabad to Teen Hatti, Jinnah Bridge Turning to ICI, and Jahangir road to Gurumandir, at Gurumandir Chowk, Karsaz to Pir Bukhari, FTC to Avari, PIB in front of Central Jail, Murshid Bazar, Tibet to Regal, Tibet Chowk, Patel Para, Lasbela Chowk, Denso Hall, Regent Plaza to FTC, Anklesaria Chowk, Shaheed-e-Millat turning, Nagan Chowrangi, Club Chowk, and Aiwan-i-Saddar road.
Police advised residents to tune into SPFM 88.6 for traffic updates and call 1915 (021-99216356-58) to seek assistance.
The highest amount of rainfall was recorded by 2pm in Surjani Town at 70 millimetres. It was followed by PAF Base Faisal (36mm), Nazimabad (18mm), Airport Old Area (14.2mm), Jinnah Terminal (10.2mm), Saadi Town (7.2mm), Quaidabad (5.5mm) and University Road (5.2mm).
MET DEPT WARNS OF URBAN FLOODING IN KARACHI ON FRIDAY: Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rains and thundershowers in several areas of the metropolitan on Friday and Saturday.
PMD Director Sardar Sarfaraz said moderate to heavy rain is expected tonight and tomorrow. He warned of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Karachi on Friday saying that the monsoon system has strengthened due to the moisture from the Arabian Sea.
Sarfaraz said that the downpour from rain cloud will not be equal in all areas.
Rain was reported in a large number of areas in the city today, including Nazimabad, North Karachi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Orangi Town, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, DHA Phase-II, Saadi Town and Kemari.
